“How did it go?” The purple pegasus asks as she cleans her glasses with a wing.

Sanders sighs and shakes his head, “Honestly it didn’t. It felt hollow, empty. Simulators don’t feel like real flying on the best of days. All they are is just pushing buttons.”

“Well you need to know what you're doing right?” The pegasus asked.

Looking around the hospital room, Sanders nods, “I guess, and I can do that with my eyes closed. Its just, the simulators are too smooth, there no sensations of the wind, of turbulence, they do their best, but they can’t really make them feel real.”

“The hospital nurse says you're still not eating well.” The pegasus says, fluffing her wings a little.

“Just haven’t been hungry, I guess.” Shaking his head, he looks at the window, its curtains drawn closed tight to shut out the light. “Just prefer to rest.”

Shaking her head slowly, the pegasus opts to change the subject, “So you got a fax from the foal you saved?”

Looking down at the papers, Sanders nods. “Chirpy. She wanted to thank me again for saving her. Well thank the pegasus mare. She talks about how nice it is at the farm. How she’s learning to fly. How she can stand or lay on clouds.”

Picking up the paper, he sighs, “She says they even had a talent show for the foals there. To see who was the cutest foal and explore special talents for cutie marks.”

“How did it go?” The pegasus asks gently.

“Apparently an Earth Pony named Pageant got her cutie mark, a golden tiara.” Sanders says looking at his hip. “She won the talent show and got her mark.”

“And Chirpy?” The pegasus asks.

“She’s still blank, she says she misses me. Well, that she misses the mare.” Shaking his head, Sanders looks down. “Misses me.”

The purple mare tilts her head, looking at carefully at Sanders. A long moment passes before she asks, “Lieutenant… who are you?”

Sanders looks at her, eyes opening wide. “I…” Turning his head he looks at his reflection in the mirror. “I’m…”

***

Looking away quick I cover my eyes with my foreleg. “Cookie, you’re indecent.”

“What?” Cookie blinks, confused.

Fleur blinks, her jaw dropping, “Cookie! There are foals present!”

Looking back at herself Cookie blinks, “What!”

Ballad giggles, “Well you have to admit, she looks sexy like that.”

“Ok one, I was a little cold. Two, we normally walk around without clothing so why is wearing clothing wrong. And three, they are for sale in town.” Cookie says, stomping her hoof lightly.

Looking at Sea Swirl, Cipher giggles, “Apparently she hasn’t seen any of the fanfics or pictures. She doesn’t know about ponies wearing socks.”

“Excuse me, they are leg warmers.” Cookie says with a huff and turns, “Perverts, I’m rooming with perverts.”

Laughing softly, I lean into Cookie, giving her a hug. “Its okay. We are just teasing you.”

Shaking her head, Cookie snorts, “Seriously, why would the idea of wearing leg warmers or socks be considered dirty?”

“That’s easy, because some pony fans think that way.” Cipher says, “You should read some of the stories online, especially about ponies like…”

With all the ponies looking at Cipher, the little unicorn gulps, “Okay, maybe you shouldn’t. Wait I need a coffee!”

With a flash of her horn Cipher vanishes, causing Sea Swirl to blink, “Teleport? Unicorns can teleport!”

“Oh goody, I can see I’m going to be teaching that spell a lot.” I say, smiling. “Yes, that’s week three.”

“When can I learn to teleport.” Sea Swirl shouts, pogo hopping up to me.

“I told you, week three. We need to get your focus and skills up to par before its safe. I don’t want you doing something like teleporting into the sun.”

Wiggling her tail, both her ears perk, “Oh I can’t wait, that’s gonna be so cool.”

Looking at Fleur, I giggle, “I think we found what she wants magic for.”

“Well there’s always something that a unicorn falls in love with magic over.” Fleur responds with a smile, “So what’s on the board for you?”

“Well I have to charter a flight to Nellis Air Force Base. I get to offer Sanders his chance to be a pony, permanently.” I say with a smile.

“Why?” Fleur asks, blinking. “Why all this work?”

“He’s been suffering serious depression after turning back. Like Henry and the other Rangers, he kept his cutie mark but… something about him made him want to be a pony more than most.” Sighing, I shake my head. “And keeping his cutie mark but without his pony form is almost like well… A pony who’s had their cutie mark removed.”

All the girls shiver and stick their tongues out at that idea.

“Ouch, I’ve seen how that turns out.” Fleur says shaking her head.

Nodding slowly, I let out a sigh, “So were going to see if he wants to become a pony for good. He’s done so much for other ponies he deserves the chance.”

“When are you leaving?” Cookie asks.

“In the morning. I’ve got a rental car being dropped off to take me to the airport.” I say, looking at the time. “Which gives us more then enough time to practice some fundamentals.”

Well that does it, a massive groan erupts from every unicorn present, with Fleur and Ballad both trying to hide their horns from view.

***

“Dust? Dust!” Shaking her head, Helen looks down at the pegasus. “Dust, there’s a pegasus arriving shortly. She needs a place to rest the night, do you want to meet her?”

“Why?” Dust sighs, laying in bed.

“The media’s been calling her an angel. She saved an airliner, boarding it while in flight after an in air depressurization. She’s just coming back from delivering vital medicine to a village in Alaska.” Helen laughs softly, “The media doesn’t know it’s a pegasus and somehow the people keep seeing her as an angel.”

Dust blinks, looking up slowly.

Helen goes on, “Her names Jet Stream, she’s an endurance flyer, first pony to fly non stop solo across Equestria. She’s also White Lightning’s baby sister. She needs food. Apparently,” Helen smiles, “she loves pizza.”

Climbing out of bed, Dust stretches before following Helen down the stairs. Looking around, she sees the rest of her herd relaxing, giving her the space she needs until she is ready.

Opening the door Dust steps outside into the cold night air and looks around. There are a few other pegasi flying around right now, but most are keeping low to the ground. There isn’t a need to fly at high level most times.

Adjusting to the darkening sky her eyes quickly pick out the pegasus in the 520th flight suit coming in for a landing. For a pony she isn’t flashy, she doesn’t have a special mane style. Single color mane and body. Even her cutie mark, a cloud with a lightning bolt has been seen on other pegasi.

It isn’t her looks that make her special to Dust’s experienced eye, though. Not every pony has to look like a fashion model to be special. Not every pony needs special colors or mane styles. Not every pony needs clothing or accessories.

Landing, Jetstream pulls up her goggles and shakes her mane and tail out. She had been flying for hours, but she isn’t tired, just hungry and thirsty. Looking around, she sees Dust trotting up to her slowly on the dark street.

“Jetstream? Its nice to meet you.” Dust says, smiling and stepping forward. “How's the media angel doing?”

Whimpering, Jetstream lowers her head, her ears going red with a blush. “Come on, they only called me an angel once.”

“Twice, the humans in Alaska thought you were an angel too.” Dust says with a smile.

Shaking her head, Jetstream whimpers, “At least its not me. I’d hate to be plastered all over the paper as myself.”

“Why not? You’re a hero.” Dust laughs, “Come on inside.”

“I don’t do these things to be a hero. I just… get stuck in having to do them.” Keeping her head low, Streams sighs, “I just like flying.”

“Tell me about it. Its in our blood.” Dust smiles brighter, then she turns, pointing a wing at her home, “Now why not come inside the house.”

“I… I don’t want to be a bother or trouble. And I don’t really do well with other people or ponies.” Stream says, scuffing a hoof on the asphalt.

“We’ve got pizza.” Dust giggles.

Instantly Streams wings flare out and upwards, her ears locking forward. “Pizza? Um, if its not a bother. I guess it would be okay.”

“Wow, you really do love pizza.” Dust says with a smile and turns, heading inside.

*** Nellis Air Force Base ***

I find myself stopping to look up at the hospital. I’ve seen this building before, though never on good terms. I’ve spent time laid up in here, Blaze has spent time in here. Looking beside me I chuckle, “Wow, for once, its not one of us.”

Blaze stops and looks at me, “You mean you. Just how many times have you knocked yourself out with a spell Velvet? Three or four?”

Pouting, I huff, “Hey it’s not my fault I keep trying to save ponies, I just keep overestimating what I can do.”

Walking into the hospital gives me that feeling that I’ve done something wrong again as a few ponies take note of me as does some of the staff. I figure for me its because I’ve been in here before as a bad patient. Really I can’t stand their hospital food.

Looking over, I smile at the nurse at the front desk. “Hello, I’m here for Lt. Sanders.”

“He’s in his room, 206c.” The nurse says without even having to check the computer.

Blaze blinks. “Still? I’d have thought you’d have put him into temporary lodgings or something.”

“Given his state of mind, we still want to keep him under observations.” The nurse says, “Elevators over there unless you want to try flying up the stairwell.”

“Do pegasi really try and do that?” I ask, looking at Blaze.

Nodding, the nurse smiles, “Some do.”

Walking over to the elevator, I light my horn and the elevator button lights in response. Looking to Blaze I nod, “You’re sure he’s a pegasus?”

“Mindy may have botched the spell, but he is a pegasus, trust me on this. Both Dust and I agree.” Blaze says firmly.

Nodding slowly, I step into the elevator and select the second floor. As the doors close the music starts. “Umm, I wonder if we can get that outlawed?”

“What?” Blaze looks confused.

“Muzak, we need to have it banned. It could lead to inadvertent song and dance numbers which could be dangerous in confined spaces.” I say as the door opens.

Looking back over his shoulder Blaze laughs, “Yeah, or worse, can you picture ponies breaking out into a musical number at a shopping center because of the Musak there?”

Laughing softly, I prance into Sanders room. “Hi there!”

Rolling onto his side facing away from us, Sanders sighs, “It’s too early for cheerful.”

“Umm, its 10:30 AM. Was grumpy time extended to eleven without telling me?” I say looking back at Blaze.

“Nope, the eleven AM extension is only breakfast.” Blaze says, then he tilts his head before saying, “Pancakes…” His tongue hanging out with just the slightest bit of drool.

“Sanders, I think I have an option for you.” I say, “A way to make you a pegasus permanently.”

Sanders rolls over so fast he falls out of bed. Laying on the floor under the covers he looks up at me. “Wait, your Velvet, the one who runs the Magical Unicorn Training School.”

Blinking, I look at Blaze, “Magical Unicorn Training School? Great, we’re MUTS.” I roll my eyes, “Now I’m insulted.”

“I didn’t mean that as an insult, it’s just what we used as pilots to say where we were delivering to.” Sanders says defensively and sits up. “A way to become a pegasus?”

“Some ponies react badly to being human form with their cutie marks. They feel cut off from their real selves. It can put a huge amount of pressure on their psyche.” Nuzzling his hip gently with my muzzle, “I think because you kept your mark, the mirror will recognize that. We may be able to get you back to the pony form with the mirror,” I stop for a moment and take a deep breath, “But there are risks.”

Sanders sits up, looking at his hip. “Like what?”

“Well small scale problems, you could end up stuck in Equestria or coming out a girl. Or it simply won’t work.” I say, shaking my head. “Larger scale problems are you could get stuck or lost between worlds… Trapped forever or until the next gate opening. Then past that, anything else becomes so rare to happen its not worth mentioning.”

“But, the risks would be to me and me only?” Sanders says.

“For the most part yes.” I say, blinking, “The chances of something going world breakingly wrong are in the one in seven hundred-forty million area.”

“Only?” Sanders blinks.

“Well one in seven hundred thirty-seven million, three hundred sixty-seven thousand…” I start before getting smacked by a wing.

“Pointed ears does not mean you’re Spock.” Blaze laughs.

“Sorry, yes, there is about an eighty percent chance it will work.” I say. “An eighteen percent chance you will just be flung out as human… then after that,” I flinch and my ears flick a few times, “it breaks down into stranger failures…”

Sanders nods, “If the risk is me alone, I’ll do it. Its just, hard to live like this after finding my true self.”

“Trust me, we aren’t taking this lightly, that’s why we are doing this.” Blaze says with a firm nod, “Now let’s have a smile, like you did when I brought you food.”

With a sigh, Sanders fakes a smile, “Well at least I have something to look forward too. So what do we have to do?”

“Oh, that’s the easy part. We just need to bring you to the gate.” I say cheerfully, “We already have clearance to go there, since its under Military and pony control.”

Blaze chuckles, “So, we are going to fly you there for a change.”

“Oh great, flying with Rainbow Crash’s dad.” Sanders says with a smile, “I’m doomed.”

***

“Princess? Princess!”

“In here Spike.” The voice calls out from the room.

Smiling, the little dragon trundles into the chambers, pushing a cart. “Lets see, we have sandwiches, soup, and some of your favorite berry juice.”

“I’m not really hungry.” She says, looking down at the plate. “But thank you for trying.”

“Hey it’s a dragon’s duty to help the princess.” Spike says, puffing up.

“Since when?”

Spike laughs, “Since Celestia had me burp up my first scroll.”

“Okay, you have a point.” Sighing, she lays her head down on the bed.

“Well then, we’ve made contact with another colony. A group of thestrals, zebras, ponies, and even a dragon out of Africa.”

Perking her head, a bit, the princess blinks, “Are they ok?”

“Well they have formed a town. An actual ponyish only settlement. I say ish because its zebras and a dragon too, well maybe I should say an Equestrian Colony.” Spike says, looking down at his trolley cart.

“Have you been helping them?”

“We sent down one load of supplies, we are looking at getting a larger chunk ready.” Spike says, looking proud. “Big pack of solar panels, crops, water purification, food and medicine.”

“That sounds nice.” The princess says softly.

“You know we could always arrange a visit to see them.” Spike says.

“I… I don’t know… I don’t know if anypony really wants to see me.” The princess says with a sigh.

Smiling, Spike shakes his head, “Okay, trip confirmed. I’ll make the plans now.” With that the little dragon turns and trundles out the door.

***

“Come on, show me show me show me!” Feather says. bouncing on the spot.

Huffing, Candy pouts, “But its hard.”

Cloudy giggles, “At least you’ve got something.”

Grumbling, Candy closes his eyes as and concentrates as hard as he can, straining himself, trying his hardest to focus. It takes a few moments, but eventually a few sparks and sparkles appear around his horn then, the tip lights with a faint glow.

“That’s sooo cool!” Feather says, “Your almost at Sweetiebelle level!”

“Oh ouch.” Cloudy says with a laugh, “That was harsh.”

“At least you can fly. We can’t even get a decent spark between us.” Candy huffs.

“Well we are foals. As much as we grew up as human, we never did grow up as foals, so we never got our training, our skills, developed our talents.” Feather says, scuffing a hoof.

Candy sits and sighs, “People expect us to act like adults all the time, to act grown up. But we can’t do what grownups can do. Maturity aside, we just can’t be adult ponies until we really grow up.”

“I feel sorry for foals who were married before they changed.” Cloudy says with a huff.

Blinking, Candy looks over at Feather, “Have you seen any really cute stallions around town?”

Lifting her head Feather sticks her tongue out, “Ugh no. You?”

Candy shook his head, “No, think about it. Do you even think any of the stallions are really cute?”

“Not… really, most of them are too old for me, but…” Feather blinks.

Cloudy tilts her head, looking at Candy, “Finding yourself attracted to stallions?”

Candy blinks, then shakes his head no vigorously, “No and not mares either. My bets is its also because… we’re too young.”

“Never thought about that.” Feather says.

“Nope, that’s cuz you’ve only been concerned with getting your cutie mark.” Candy says, laughing.

“Well so have you! Cutie Mark Crusader teddy bear inspectors was your idea!” Feather says, then she blinks.

All three looked at each other, then just start laughing.

***

Ambrosia spreads her forelegs and ducks her head as she lets out a loud whinny. She keeps her ears perked forward, even though her tail is thrashing and flagging high a bit. Stomping her hoof a few times, she snorts and whinnies again before turning and starting to run.

“Well that was interesting.”

Looking over her shoulder, she lets out another whinny before running down the roadway. After about thirty yards she stops and turns back as she thinks to herself. ‘Come on, how does Sunny do this.’

Leaning back, one of the officers laughs and takes a sip of his Pinolillo. “So what do you think its problem is?”

Munching on a tortilla, the second officer shakes his head, “No idea, strange dog though.”

Blinking, Ambrosia turns and spreads her forelegs, letting out another loud whinny at the officers. ‘Dog? Dog! Really?’

Chuckling, one of the officers tosses a little piece of fish to Ambrosia. “There you go.”

Facehoofing Ambrosia sighs and walks up to the officers, “There’s a car accident just outside of town. We need help, ambulance, fire, and police. So get off your butts and follow me!”

Blinking, they look at each other, “A talking dog?”

“And I’m a pony, not a dog. Follow me!” Ambrosia says as she turns and starts to run, “A car accident, and all they care about is a talking dog?”

Backtracking down the dirt road, Ambrosia stops and looks over her shoulder. “We can’t lift the truck without causing more injuries to the driver.”

The officers slow, panting hard, they see the pick up truck, flipped over at the side of the ditch. The cab had been crushed, pinning the driver between the seat and wheel.

“A talking pony leading us to a car crash, no one at the station’s going to believe this.” One of the officers says as he calls for fire and ambulance.

“Best they not know. We mean no harm. We’re just trying to make it to the USA.” Ambrosia says, looking down.

“To America? Why?” the second officer says, looking shocked.

“There is supposed to be a safe place for us there. We mean no harm to anyone.” Ambrosia says, “Just, please help him, we heard the crash, and I don’t like seeing people suffer.”

“We’ll do what we can,” The officer says with a nod. “Best get going then if you don’t want to answer more questions.”

***

A cold wind blows down the road as Katie Sanders exits the cab. She looks around, it is very strange to her. The location her brother gave her was listed as an abandoned school building, though it doesn’t seem totally abandoned. The cab driver didn’t speak much of the place, and was quick to pull away once she had paid, not wanting to remain in the area.

Looking around Katie sighed as she focuses on the building. The school itself must have been some kind of juvi hall, or worse. It’s the only reason she could think of for the place having a large darkened fence around it with barbed wire. Some inner city schools in had security fences, but none went for barbed wire like this.

Walking down the short path, she stops at the gate. A buzzer button and voice box are there, but they look like new additions given the bad condition of the school building itself. Taking a deep breath, Katie presses the button.

“Yes?” Comes through the speaker as a ball style security camera swivels to face her.

“Umm, Katie Sanders, I was told to come here, I guess. My brother called me.” With a gulp she looks up and forces a smile to the camera. “He was in some kind of plane crash.”

A moment later there is a soft buzz at the gate. A loud metallic click can be heard, then the sounds of an electric motor, as the gate starts to slide sideways opening up to the front path. She follows the concrete walkway up to the school. The building itself is in serious disrepair, however, a pair of portables had been added, as well as a set of back up generators.

“Sis?” Sanders calls, stepping out of one of the portables and smiling.

“James? James! I was so worried about you!” Dropping her day bag, Katie runs up and hugs Sanders gently.

“Ow, ow, ow, careful! I’m still tender.” Sanders says. He smiles at her warmly and brings her closer for another hug.

“What happened? I was so worried. First I get the call that you were in a crash, then that you are in critical condition. When I make plans to come see you I’m told you’ve been moved and I’m not allowed to visit. And finally I’m called to meet you here… And you seem fine.” Katie looks around, then at Sanders. “What is going on?”

“It’s really hard to explain, a lot has happened in the world that you don’t know about yet.” Sanders says with a sigh, rubbing his hip.

“Come on James, talk. You know me, nothing surprises me.” Katie says firmly, looking at him, “It’s not like you’re on some special super secret...”

Mindy trots out and shakes herself out, “Velvet’s going to be ready soon, I’m not fully sure about what she’s doing there but its some pretty high level stuff there. So relax mask butt.” She does a double take looking at Katie, “Oh hi there.” She says brightly.

“Mindy, this is my sister, Katie. Katie, this is Mindy, though you can call her balloon butt if you want.” James says with a smile to Mindy before looking back to his sister.

“Oh I’m sorry, you were saying…” Katie says, blinking in shock.

Blinking, Mindy shakes her head, “Oh you haven’t told her… I’ll just go see if there’s any coffee left.”

“Sis, I think we should sit down and talk.” Sanders says and leads her into the heated portable shelter.

It’s a simple stamp and go mobile building, forty by sixteen feet. It had been set up as a temporary barracks with four bedrooms, a kitchen, and common room.

Walking over, Sanders sits down on the sofa, looking at his sister.

Wordlessly, Katie walks over and sits across from him in one of the love seats. Looking down at the love seat, Katie realizes it is probably just the right size for a little unicorn like Mindy to lay sideways on. “Ok what’s going on, was that… some kind of military…”

“Mindy? No she’s a civilian, a friend of mine, I helped her out a few…” Sanders stops and looks at his sister. He sigh, “Lets back this up.”

“How far back? To the point where you explain how a… cartoon character, is walking around talking?” Katie says shaking her head. “What have you gotten yourself into?”

“They are refugees. There are thousands of them, if not tens of thousands. Magic is real and they can use it. They were banished here by an evil spirit, Discord, who might as well be a god by his abilities.” With a soft sigh, Sanders finds himself rubbed his hip absently. “They were cursed to be reborn as humans, grow up for twenty-five years, then change back to ponies. So anyone… even you, sis… Could end up turning into one.”

“Me? What do you mean me?” Katie blinks.

“I mean, on your twenty-fifth birthday, a mark could appear on your hip and you could start to change into a pony. The process generally takes three days. And that’s why its being kept secret right now. To stop mass panic, to stop the fear, and over reactions.”

“Ok no, I’m human, not some animated pony.” Katie says, shaking her head.

Shaking his head Sanders fidgets with his hip, “They all thought they were human too.”

“So is that what happened? There wasn’t a crash?” Katie says, looking around, then back at her brother, confusion obvious on her face.

“No, there was a crash, I bellied my plane in trying to avoid some pegasi, they flew across my landing path and I didn’t want to wipe out a family so… I dove under them, but I couldn’t pull up in time. I would have died but.” Closing his eyes, Sanders cringes as the images of the ground, the flames, the sounds of the airplane ripping apart fills his mind.

“But what?” Katie blinks, then looks at the expression of pain on his face and sighs, “The crash was hard huh?”

“I’d do it again though, something in me couldn’t bring myself to kill a family.” Shaking his head, he looks down. “Two of them were foals, their whole lives ahead of them.”

“You could have died though.” Katie huffs.

“Could have, should have, would have. I’ve been flying ponies around now for months. They can’t use public airlines. Even through they were normal humans, there’s no true way to verify who they were before the change. DNA, retina scan, lack of fingers to fingerprint, even voice changes. There’s no true way to verify most of the pony’s identities, so they decided to have us bring small groups around that need to travel.”

Shaking her head, Katie looks at him, “What’s this got to do with almost dying?”

“After the crash the doctors didn’t think I’d make it. They though I’d die within the week. Mindy and the other ponies I’ve helped wouldn’t accept that though. Pegasi are very fast healers, what normally takes some humans months to heal, a pegasus can heal in days.” Sanders says and rubs his hip again.

“They turned you into one of them?” Katie says and looks at the door, then back at her brother.

“Please don’t look at it as ‘one of them’. They are people too, just because they are ponies don’t make each one any less important.”

“Well how am I supposed to look at it?” Katie says, shaking her head in disbelief.

“They’re ponies, its just the name for them, like we call ourselves humans. They are still people though, still intelligent, still…” Shaking his head, Sanders takes a breath.

“Okay, go on, what happened with the ponies.” Katie says, watching her brother.

“I don’t know why, but since day one of meeting them, I’ve been drawn to them. Many of them couldn’t understand why I hadn’t changed, because it seemed more comfortable being… Like them.” He rubs his hip once again, and flinches as she looks at him doing so, “They changed me with a short spell so I could heal the injuries. They don’t have a poof, you’re healed, spell. So they did the only thing they could think of.”

“Well your back to human now at least.” Katie says with a smile, “And you lived.”

“I… I… I want to go back.” Sanders says softly, and looks down quickly.

Blinking Katie looks at him confused. “What do you mean back? Back to being a pony?”

“It’s… It’s like… I was always meant to be one. Like something went wrong. Since I was changed, I look at myself in the mirror and don’t see myself looking back, its like I’m looking at a stranger. Not who I should be.” Sanders says softly.

Katie stands up and walks over, sitting beside her brother and taking his hand. “You’ve been through a lot. Maybe this is just the shock from the crash. Stress of being healed or something.”

“No…. No it isn’t. It isn’t shock, it isn’t some kind of PTSD or stress… It’s who I am.” Sanders says firmly.

“I grew up with you, you’re not a pony. You don’t even like hanging around with the horses.” Katie says, her voice rising.

“I am, though, I just didn’t realize it before. Even after turning back to human, I kept my pony mark, they call it a cutie mark. It’s part of me. Yet I know it should be there. I know it needs to be there. Just like I know I need to be a pony.” Sanders gives his sister’s hand a gentle squeeze.

“What kind of pony?” Katie asks, “Unicorn? Pegasus?”

“Pegasus, part of me, even now, longs to be in the sky. You know I’ve always felt that way… Even dad couldn’t understand it. Now I do I think, I think I was always meant to fly.” Sanders says, looking into his sister’s eyes.

Looking back, she searches his face, his eyes, for some meaning but only finds pain, “I know you better than anyone. I just don’t know why you can’t just be happy flying in a plane.”

“Because I feel incomplete doing that. More so than before. I feel like I’m putting a façade, using the plane to hide the fact that I don’t look like I should. That I can’t fly like I should.” Shaking his head slowly, “It’s hard to explain.”

“Look, you’ve been there through all my life, helped me through my problems. You did your best to keep me happy. I want to be there for you but this is a little much to deal with.” Katie says with a sigh, “I… I don’t know how I feel about any of this.”